A Friday Night Huddle (9/02/2023)

Last evening, I went out with three other friends for Friday Night Fish Fry at our favorite local haunt. We arrived at our usual time, started with our usual beverages, caught up as we considered our dinner fare options, and put in our orders. I told my friends I would be right back; I wanted to check and see if another couple had been able to make it. I set off to look for them and found them, but on the way, I also discovered another who was there alone. Friday night fish fry solo just isn’t right. It is a time for good food and good conversation. And so, I went back to my table, explained to my friends the situation, and suggested that we huddle up and make room for a fifth diner. All agreed. And we went seamlessly into plan B.

We had a lovely evening. Our conversations covered family, sports, Labor Day plans, and hopes for dessert. We were joined by several other friends who stopped by the table to touch base, visit for a bit, just be “sociable.” It was a tad crowded, but I grew up in a large family with frequent guests and was used to being told to “sit little.” I believe that as we left, we all felt it had been a good evening.

Often in life we have a plan but then something else arises that makes flexibility necessary. We don’t need to make a big deal about it, we just need to shift with loving kindness and compassion, thinking of what we ourselves would hope others would do for us. We need to consider our LORD’s example; He rarely planned an encounter with another who needed healing or His help, but He always responded according to the needs of the other rather than according to his day planner.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love, let us be capable of seeing the needs of those around us and accommodating those needs as best as possible. Let us recognize the gift we receive is often greater than the gift we give in these situations. Let us seek to love those whom we encounter as the LORD commands us, loving them as Christ loves them. And let us be joyful while we are about it.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.